African Americans in Minnesota

African American in Minnesota experienced the Civil War era in various ways. Prior to the war, there was an active group who participated in the Underground Railroad helping enslaved people gain their freedom. Later, others immigrated to Minnesota due to the promise of work resulting from war-time labor shortages. By the wars end, 104 African American men from Minnesota had enlisted in the military, serving in what was then called the "United States Colored Troops." Click the links below to learn more about the experiences of African Americans in Minnesota during the Civil War era.